Miami, United States. Inter Miami CF kicks off the 2026 Major League Soccer season this Saturday, with the mission of defending their MLS Cup title and, at the same time, conquering the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Less than three months after Lionel Messi lifted the trophy following the 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final, the team has experienced significant changes. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, fundamental pillars in the conquest of the championship, have retired.
The league debut will be at BMO Stadium against Los Angeles FC, marking the beginning of a streak of five consecutive away games, while the works on the new Miami Freedom Park are completed. The official opening of the stadium is scheduled for April 4, with a match against Austin FC.
Continental Priority
Although revalidating the MLS is a clear objective, the board has emphasized that the main challenge of the year is the Concachampions. The club will participate for the third consecutive time in the regional tournament, to which it gains direct access in the second round for being the defending champion.
Under the direction of the Argentinian Javier Mascherano, the team seeks to overcome recent frustrations, such as the elimination in the semifinals the previous year, also against Vancouver. Mascherano has assured that the team is prepared to compete in all competitions.
In March, Inter Miami will face the winner of the series between Nashville SC and Atletico Ottawa in their continental debut.
Defensive Reinforcements and Adjustments
The defense was a weak point in 2025, so the management reinforced that area. Spanish full-back Sergio Reguilón, Argentine Facundo Mura, Brazilian Micael, and Argentine midfielder David Ayala were added. In addition, Dayne St. Clair, chosen as the best goalkeeper in MLS in 2025, joined the team.
In attack, Messi will continue to be accompanied by Luis Suárez, joined by forward Germán Berterame, from Monterrey, and the definitive incorporation of Rodrigo De Paul.
A Special Calendar
2026 will be an atypical year for MLS due to the break between May 25 and July 16 for the celebration of the World Cup organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Furthermore, the club will experience a historic moment with the inauguration of Miami Freedom Park, a stadium with a capacity for 25,000 spectators, which will mark the end of their time in Fort Lauderdale.
With a renewed template, a new stadium on the horizon and continental ambition as the main objective, Inter Miami begins the season with the pressure of being the champion and the desire to expand its international showcase.
